I sat as I always did, my eyes angled down politely at my plate as the girls around me talked in respectful whispers. There wasn't much to talk about besides The Report tonight, the princes had been especially absent all day. 

When the doors opened we all looked up expectantly, but the queen and her daughter were alone. We all stood to curtsy, but the queen only gave a small greeting and then took her seat. I looked around the make sure all the selected were there, but I didn't think the princes would all be out on a date at the same time. Everyone was here. 

As soon as the first course was set out, the king walked in, followed by his three sons. They all wore suits, but they seemed somewhat disheveled. Prince Ross smiled at me as he passed with tired eyes, and I couldn't help noting that Prince Alexandre's hair was a tousled mess that seemed to fall in just the right places. I looked down to hide my blush, his words still ringing in my ears from our fight. 

The king's jaw was set hard, and he kissed his wife with a modest stiffness; he called us to sit, but Prince Alexandre remained standing. With the tension in his father and the prince's shoulders, I knew something big was coming; my only consolation was that Prince Ross' eyes were alight with some kind of passion. 

"Ladies, I have an announcement," Prince Alexandre started. All heads turned down the table, intrigued. 

"I realize you were all promised compensation for your participation as Daughter's of Illea," he said, his voice ringing with an authority he normally only reserved for television or commanding guards. My heart fluttered by the way he talked, my thoughts immediately going to my brother back home, hopefully eating right now. "However, there have been new monetary allocations," he continued, "If you are a natural two or three you will no longer be receiving financing. Fours and below will continue to receive compensation, but it will be slightly less than what it has been so far." 

I felt a pang of rage shoot through me, but I kept my face neutral. I could see some of the other girls were fuming, especially Albany. I fought to roll my eyes at her; I guess when you have a lot of money, you're used to collecting more of it. 

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience ladies, but I will be explaining our reasoning tonight during the Capital Report. If anyone has any issues with the new arrangement and would no longer like to participate, you are welcome to leave after dinner," he said, and then sat and turned to his father on his right. King Corvax seemed more interested in the food before him than what Prince Alexandre was saying. 

My only consolation was that Prince Ross looked ready to explode in happiness. I caught his eye during a lull in their conversation, and he gave me a toothy smile that didn't escape the attention of the people around him. 

There was quiet speculation around me. "I think it's a test," Valeera said from father down the table, "I bet some people are only in it for the money." Anyone that heard her immediately turned to me, and I straightened, daring anyone to suggest anything towards me. I wasn't going to leave just because Ari and Sjin wouldn't be getting as much money, Sjin was very good at stretching money and making it last. They would be able to survive on the checks they have already gotten alone until I could come home and start training and working for an income. 

-----------------------------------------------------------

I felt my heart rise up in my throat as I looked at the clock on my beside table. It was getting awfully close to when I had to leave. Tonight I would be facing Gavril Turps and the rest of the nation on the Illea Capital Report, and I had Luna pose possible questions to me as she did my makeup. Are you enjoying the selection so far? Do you like the castle? Have you been on any dates with the Prince? Have you kissed any of them?

I eyed her at that last question, and she seemed genuinely interested. I had thrown out all the other answers without trying too hard, but that one had caught in my throat. "No! Of course not!" I said, exasperated. 

She only giggled, assuming I was lying. 

"Don't you have something to go clean?" I spat, but she only laughed as my face grew red at the thought of kissing Prince Ross, and I couldn't keep from smiling for very long. 

Suddenly my other two maids burst into the room, a dress draped between their arms. Gemma pulled me up by my arms as soon as she saw me, her face exploding into a smile. 

"Oh Atlas! Put this on, put it on right now!" she gushed, pulling my silky robe off and drowning me in fabric as Hannah helped throw the tight skirt over my head and shoulders. I struggled in the dark as I tried to free my arms, but with a little help from my maids I managed to fit into the dress so they could lace up the back. 

I was so shocked by all the sudden excitement that I didn't really look at the dress until my maids were pushing me towards my mirror and cooing over how beautiful I looked. 

"Guys, I..." I stammered, my eyes running over a sleeved, red mermaid dress that pinched at my right knee to show an underskirt of lacy material. I ran my hand down the silky material and felt along the lace decal at my hip. It fit snugly, hugging me at all the right angles and making my frame look delicate and almost womanly. The fabric was pinched and pulled to give the illusion of bigger hips and a smaller waist, and my arms looked dainty instead of muscular under my sleeves. 

"Don't you love it?!" Hannah asked, pulling tight on the laces behind me one more time before tucking them in and standing next to me to admire her work. All three of them were beaming. 

"Well... of course, this is the most beautiful dress I've ever seen but..." I looked at them as their elated expressions changed to confused and hurt ones, "Isn't this a bit much? I thought I stood out because I dressed very modestly and reserved. I just don't feel very comfortable wearing something so... sexy and bold-" 

As soon as they realized that it was my confidence and not the dress that was the problem, they waved me away and sat me down at my make up station to continue preparing me. "It's your time to stand out Atlas," Hannah explained, "Your modest dress wasn't easily forgotten, and they're nearly running out of blue fabric downstairs. It's time to do something different with your look." 

"You need to keep ahead of the curve," Luna commented, covering my eyes gently with a hand to spray my hair. 

"What if I come off as arrogant?"  I asked quietly, still not feeling assured that this was a good idea. 

"Now listen here," Hannah said, stopping what she was doing and kneeling in front of me, "This dress will only work if you have the confidence to go with it. And you've managed to garner respect regardless of your caste so far, just keep doing what you've been doing."

"Yeah, and you're already Prince Ross' favorite," Gemma added less seriously, giggling.

I gasped. "That's not true-" I started, but Hannah cut me off, grabbing my hands. 

"We're so proud of you Atlas," she said quietly, her eyes shinning faintly, "You've been so good to us, especially with Gemma." We all looked to her, who smiled and nodded enthusiastically. 

"You're good enough to be the princess," she said faintly, "You'd be amazing." 

I felt myself flush, I hated being the center of attention. "But what if Prince Ross liked me because I'm plain and simple, and then I ruin it by putting on something like this?"

"Every girl needs to stand out once in a while," Hannah said, "And I've known the princes all my life, I know they'll like it." 

"Even Prince Alexandre will like it," Gemma chipped in.

I felt my heart rise into my throat and I jumped up, startling all three of them. "I should go, I don't want to be late," I said quickly, leaving before they could grab me to do any last minute checks. 

I arrived somewhat breathlessly only to find I was one of the last ladies to arrive. I blushed the same shade as my dress as my eyes traveled over all the selected in front of me. Some of the dresses were closer to green, some to purple, but there was obviously a theme. I was going to stick out. 

I instead focused on the set, which was arranged differently for our special broadcast. The podium, normally in the middle of the stage, was off to one side, leaving the focus on two tall chairs that were stark in the bright stage lights. I looked at the microphone sitting on one of the seats, feeling my stomach knot up at the thought of picking it up and speaking for the whole country to hear live. 

Anouk and Fox walked by, having come back from what I assumed was the bathroom to check their makeup one last time. Neither of them looked happy, and I didn't need to guess why. Fox at least looked somewhat different than the crowd; her blue dress melted into white, like delicate strands of ice weaving their way to the floor. 

"You look stunning, Atlas," she said in the way that sounded more like an accusation than a compliment. 

"Yeah, that dress is gorgeous," I said to try to pacify her. 

She fingered the white, ice-like material. "Yeah, I liked it too," she sighed.

Anouk ran her hand down my sleeve. "That's such a beautiful material! It will really shine in the lights! What is it?" she asked, more genuine than her friend. 

"I have no idea actually, we don't get nice stuff like this as eights," I shrugged, looking down at the fabric. 

"Atlas!" 

I looked up to see Albany right next to me, a poisonous smile on her face. 

"Albany," I said shortly, watching her out of the corner of my eye.

"I need some help, could you come with me for a second?" she asked, sickly sweet. 

Without waiting for an answer she was pulling me behind the heavy navy curtain that served as the back drop to the stage. 

"Take off your dress," she hissed, already unzipping hers. 

"Um, excuse me?" I blinked. 

"I want your dress. It will be a bit short for me, but we're roughly the same size," she said, struggling with one of her hooks. 

"I'm not taking off my dress," I said, appalled and trying to leave. I turned to leave, but then I heard the stamp of a heal and before I could realize what was happening the bottom train of my dress was being ripped as I pulled away. 

"What the hell?!" I asked, pulling the rest of it from under her foot. 

"Shut up. Take off the dress. Now." 

I stood there, my chest on fire with rage. I was going to stand my ground, Albany would just have to deal with not being the center of attention tonight. 

"I could take it off you," she offered coldly. 

"Ever had your nose broken?" I threatened, balling my fists at my sides, "I'm not afraid of you Albany. This dress is mine and I'm going to wear it tonight. Maybe next time when you're picking your clothes you should try being yourself instead of copying me. I wouldn't recommend it though; the princes might see how much of a brat you are and send you home."

Without hesitation Albany reached up and tore my sleeve off my shoulder with a huff before walking away. I was too stunned to do anything besides look at my pale skin peaking through the seam. I heard Silver calling for us to take our seats, so I walked out from behind the curtain and took my seat next to Beckii. 

Her eyes widened as I sat down next to her. "What happened to your dress?!" she whispered. 

"Albany," I said plainly, starting to pull the entire sleeve off. I'm sure it would look fine with only one sleeve, and Beckii wordlessly tucked in the stray strings that hung around my arm.

Emmica and Safferon who were in front of us, turned to look at what was happening. 

"She ripped your dress?" Safferon asked. 

Beckii bent down to expect the tattered train of my dress. "That girls a menace," she said, pulling away a few stray strings, "You should go report her to one of the princes." 

"I know," I said, "I will tell him the next time I see him."

"Who knows when that will be," Emmica said sadly, "I thought we would get more time to spend with them."

I didn't know what to say to that, but thankfully I didn't need to as Prince Alexandre walked over to us all. 

"Good evening ladies," he said with a tight lipped smile. 

A chorus of "Majesty" and "Highness" fell over him. 

"Just so you are aware, I will be giving a brief announcement and then introduce Turps," he said, cracking the smallest smile, "That will be a change, he's always introducing me!" The ladies around me giggled and blushed at the joke, trying to look cute and sociable. "I know some of you might be a little nervous, but you have no need to be. Just be yourselves, please. The public want to get to know you." Our eyes met briefly at that, but I couldn't read anything before he was turning and calling "good luck" to us. 

Prince Alexandre stepped up to the podium and squared his shoulders. I looked up at the preview TV behind the camera men, and I watched as his stoic face showed the slightest flash of apprehension as he looked over at the King, but then Ross and Prince Christoph threw thumbs up at him, which made him break out into a smile as the stage director counted down to the broadcast. I've been watching the Report since I was a little girl, but I had never seen the prince address the country like this before; I was silently rooting for him. 

"Good evening Illea. I know we are all excited to listen to the twenty-five remain selected tonight. I can not begin to express how elated I am for you to meet them, they have been quite the guests these past few weeks, and I am thoroughly enjoying their company. I'm sure you all agree that any of these ladies would be a wonderful leader and future princess." He looked over at us and flashed a smile that would seem genuine to anyone who wasn't looking hard enough. His eyes squinted in a way that seemed more tired than happy, but the girls around me still fawned.

"But before we get to that, I would like to make a brief announcement. My brothers and I have started a new project. Having these wonderful women in our house has exposed us to the wide world outside our palace, a world that can sometimes get lost behind statistics and paperwork. Through speaking to these ladies, we have embraced the importance of the masses outside these walls. We have been woken to the suffering of some of our lower castes, and I intend to do something about it."

I felt my chest swell, and I reached for Beckii's hand next to me. She gripped it tightly and her face was alight with an elated surprise. 

"I would like to thank my brother, Prince Ross, for the ideas and organizations. He has been at the head of this project and has shown incredible passion and leadership." This time the smile Prince Alexandre gave to the prince was genuine happiness and pride, and I saw Ross straighten slightly at the compliment, returning the smile. I watched the love pass between them in the split second they looked at each other, having nearly forgotten that they were family as well as co-leaders.

Prince Alexandre turned back to the podium, continuing. "It will be at least three months before we can establish this properly, but starting new years day, there will be public food assistance in every town hall service office. Any Five, Six, Seven, or Eight may go there any evening for a free, nutritious meal. Please recognize that these ladies have given up some of their compensation to help fund this program. This assistance may not last forever, but we hope to keep it running as long as we can." 

I tried to swallow down the pure emotion that caught in my throat, but a few tears managed to escape. My makeup was forgotten. 

I looked over to Prince Ross who was already looking at me. His face split into a toothy smile and I returned a big smile to him, even giving a tiny breath of a laugh. I would have to thank him for this the next time I saw him.

"No good leaders can let the masses go unfed. Most of Illea's population consists of these lower castes, and they have been overlooked for far too long. I ask others to move forward with us. Twos, threes, fours - your houses do not get cleaned by themselves. The buildings around you are not built with magic. Here is your opportunity to acknowledge the truth by donating at your local province services office." 

I was in awe; the words coming from Prince Alexandre seemed genuine, and the fierce passion in his eyes made them shine in the lights. He looked like a leader standing at that podium in that moment. 

"By birth you have been blessed, and it is time to acknowledge this blessing. My brothers and I will have further updates as the project progresses, and I thank you for your attention. Now, for the real reason you all tuned in tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Gavril Turps!" 

There was a smattering of applause from the people in the room, but it was clear not everyone here approved of this announcement. The King clapped without enthusiasm and seemed to bristle as Prince Alexandre sat back down next to him. The advisers also seemed torn about whether or not this was a great idea. 

"Thank you so much for the introduction, Your highness!" Turps said, walking onto the stage, "If this whole prince thing doesn't work, you should consider a job in entertainment!" 

I watched the prince laugh out loud, but you could see the tension in his shoulders. I couldn't understand why his families reactions were so drastically different. Prince Christoph didn't seem so moved by his brother's speech as Ross was, and I thought that maybe he wasn't keen on the idea of a food pantry. 

"People of Illea, do we have a treat for you! This evening we'll be getting the inside scoop from each of these young women. We know you've been dying to meet them and hear how things are coming along with our princes, so tonight, we're just going to ask them! Let's get started with... Lady Albany!" 

The interviews passed by in a blur, and I would be bored if my stomach wasn't tightening in knots. Albany tried to be sexy, leaning too low to show her cleavage or crossing her legs so the slit in her dress fell to the side and revealed an expanse of leg; it looked fake and I almost felt bad for how desperate she seemed. 

Others were more composed. Anouk seemed to sink into herself as the interview went on, no matter how hard she tried to stay confident. I hoped that the princes could see that she was still princess material, even though she needed work on her public speaking. Many of the girls were poised, but Beckii stood out with how comfortable she seemed on the stage, and she spoke excitedly as she was asked about the castle and the princes. 

Turps asked a variety  of questions, but the one that cropped up the most is "What do you think of each Prince?". The answer was almost always- Prince Ross was nice, Prince Chistoph was agreeable, and Prince Alexandre was respectful. Albany said they were all handsome, which seemed cheep. A couple of girls were asked if the princes had kissed them yet, but they had all blushed and said no. 

After a few no's Turps turned around in his chair and asked, "Have there been any kisses yet your highnesses?!"

Ross seemed to squirm in his seat and looked towards his brothers, but the other two just laughed. "They have only been here for two weeks! Who do you think we are sir?" Prince Alexandre answered for them heartily. 

Safferon had just finished saying she was having a wonderful time when Turps called my name. The other girls politely applauded me, as we had for everyone. I gave Beckii the tiniest smile before stepping up the stairs to the stage. I focused on my feet, but then remembered what my maids said. I threw my head back to get the stray hairs out of my face and gave Turps a brilliant smile as I shook his hand. As I sat down, I saw that I could look straight past Turps and see Ross, who raised his eyebrows faintly as our eyes locked. I felt a little less nervous after that. 

Up close I could see Gavril's pin on his lapel, and I focused on that to calm myself down. It was delicate silver strands that curled in a lowercase t, but with an x through the center that made the whole thing resemble a star. It was beautiful, and I hadn't noticed it until now because the detail was lost through the camera. 

"Atlas, what a beautiful name for a beautiful girl," Turps smiled, motioning to my dress, "Why don't you tell us a little about your time here in the palace?" 

I breathed out, this was an easy one. 

"I love it here. I've meet some wonderful and inspiring women and I'm blessed with the opportunity to get to know the future leaders of this county personally," I said, giving him a small smile as I threw out the standard answer I had practiced.

"Have you spent any alone time with any of those future leaders?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me. 

I thought that it would be distasteful to talk about what happened between Prince Alexandre and I, and I wasn't about to give the country any ideas. "I have spent some time with Prince Ross," I said, keeping a soft grin on my face. 

"Oh! What do you two do together?" 

"We've just talked mostly, been to the garden and the library," I mentioned briefly, not wanting to tell the story about how I puked in front of the prince on the first night here, "but we are going horseback riding next week." 

"That sounds fun! Have you ever been?" Turps prompted.

"No! I've never even seen a horse other than on TV!" I laughed, trying to act easy and relaxed. 

"So what is it like to be the first eight in history to be a part of the selection? Do you think that hurts your chances in the competition?" he asked, making my face flush red. 

"No!" I said, louder than I meant for it to come out. 

Turps eyebrows shot up. "Well, you've got quite the spirit there Lady Atlas," he said, joking it off, "Don't you worry that you haven't had quite the same opportunities as the other selected? What are you doing to catch up?" 

I took a deep breath, not wanting to talk about my caste but knowing that it was what the country wanted to hear. This was my chance to clear up the rumors and stereotypes. I just needed to be careful with my wording so I don't offend anyone. 

"As we all know, the selected go to classes every day so that we are on the same level academically, regardless of previous opportunities. There is no reason why I should need extra catching up," I said neutrally. 

"But do you think the public would agree with an eight as our future queen?" he continued. 

I felt rage hot in the pit of my stomach. "I am not my caste number," I said sternly, "I am a daughter of Illea, a citizen of this country, and, shockingly, a human being. When the time comes it will not be the public's choice but the princes' choices, and if I am chosen then I will eventually be queen and if I don't then I will be grateful to have had the opportunity as a subject as the royal family. Being assigned a number at birth has nothing to do with it or the rest of my own choices." 

I took a deep breath, realizing that may have been a mistake but knowing that I wasn't really in this competition anyway. It probably won't change the public's opinion of me, but it might get them to start thinking about their prejudice towards caste. 

"I apologize Lady Atlas," Turps said, all mirth gone from his usually jovial voice, "I did not mean to be so ignorant, clearly you have the drive and spirit of a leader." He bowed his head slightly, but he gave me an almost knowing smile for a moment before turning back to the papers in his lap. "So tell us what you think of the princes," he said, his mannerisms back. 

I  stole a glance over at the royal family, who all had mixed expressions. The king looked like he was radiating seething rage, and my eyes quickly  flicked to the princes before he could tell I was looking at him. I felt fear replace the anger and courage in my chest. 

All three of the princes were watching me with a sort of trepidation, and I realized they were waiting for my answer. There was no trace of their reactions to my little speech, and I wondered if they actually cared that I had just called out the caste system. 

"I don't know where to start," I said, giving a breathy laugh and using it for another second to think about my answers. I hadn't even thought of what I would say faced with this question, and I was so nervous about what I had just said over life television that panic was starting to set in. 

"Start with Prince Christoph," Gavril helped, not missing a beat. 

"Although I haven't spent much time with him, I think he is agreeable and sociable," I said, looking over to Prince Christoph who seemed to approve. 

"And Prince Ross?" 

I looked past Gavril Turps to see Ross, who smiled at me. "His majesty is the embodiment of everything good in this world. He's compassionate and kind and cares about his country and his people, regardless of their caste or background. I think he will make a great king and a great husband one day." 

I kept eye contact with him the entire time, and I watched as his smile grew as I praised him until he was wiping his hand across his mouth to hide it. I gave him a small smile too, trying to portray how true I thought that was. For a moment, I was lost in the thought of being his wife and queen.

"And Prince Alexandre?" 

I blinked, remembering where I was. Prince Alexandre sat up a little, his face curious. 

"Prince Alexandre is..." I trailed, thinking about how I could put a positive spin hot headed, arrogant, and infuriating. I thought back to when he was scolding me, nearly in tears, telling me that no one knew what he had to deal with.

"I think his majesty is misunderstood," I said into the microphone, locking eyes with the puzzled prince, "I can't begin to say I know what it's like to constantly be in the public eye, but being able to see the prince away from the cameras and reporters, I recognize that he tries so hard to be the perfect leader. With all the pressure on his highness as the first born, I think he is doing well learning what it takes to be the king." 

Prince Alexandre glanced down at his lap where his hands were clasped together. When his eyes rose to meet mine, they weren't hard or calculating like they normally were; they were turned down and his eyebrows furrowed lightly. I could feel the gratitude coming from that look, and as Turps asked me the next question, I blinked slowly in response and gave the prince a half smile. 

---------------------------------------------

A knock on my door interrupted my reading of Ayn Rand. I put down my mothers worn and frayed book gently on my pillow and dashed over to the closet to grab a robe to cover a bit more than my silk pajamas did. 

I padded over in my bare feet to the door and pulled it open. 

"Atlas," Prince Ross greeted, surprise blatant on his face, "What are you doing? Where are your maids? Do I need to have a word with-"

"Calm down my prince," I laughed, laying a hand on his jacket sleeve, "I ask them to leave during the night. I can't have someone watching me sleep, ready for the chance to jump up and serve me." 

His brows furrowed for a moment, but then a smile creeped onto his face. "I almost forgot you are so non-traditional my dear," he laughed, shaking his head. He looked me up and down and seemed to swallow hard. "Uh, may I come in for a minute?"

"Of course," I said, stepping away from the door to make room for him. 

His face was colored pink as he stepped in, and I realized that he probably didn't go into girls' rooms often, and I hadn't worn anything besides long dresses and ballgowns in front of him. For some reason, I liked the attention and his nervous, quick glances down at my legs. 

"I did not know what I expected your bedroom to look like, but it was not like this," he laughed, looking at the piles of books covering all the surfaces they could. Prince Ross stepped over to my mirror to look at the pictures I had stuck into the frame. He studied the most recent picture I had; it had my parents, my self, and my toddler brother sitting on a picnic blanket. "You have your mother's eyes," he said seriously after a long while of studying it, "And your brother does too. I've never seen eyes like that, they're like sun bursts." 

I swallowed down the lump in my throat. "Did you need something Ross?" I asked quickly to change the subject. 

His eyebrows furrowed for a minute, but he stepped away from my vanity and stood facing me. "Nothing in particular, I just wanted to talk about what happened tonight," he said.

I felt my face color as I remembered how easily I had let myself slip into fantasies of him as soon as I returned to my room; I couldn't concentrate on my book because of it. "Oh, right," I mumbled, looking around everywhere but at him. I knew these feelings were wrong, but I felt a shiver slip up my spine at the proximity of both of us to my  plush, king sized bed. "I need air," I said after a moment, stepping over to my balcony doors and pulling them open to allow the cool, summer night air to blow through my hair and robe. 

Ross followed me out onto the balcony. "Are you alright?" he asked, placing a hand gently on the small of my back, "You seem uncomfortable. Are you sick?"

I felt myself both relax and tighten like a spring at his touch. "No... just tired. What did you want to talk about?" I asked, looking out towards the dark gardens. I wanted to focus the attention away from me. 

"Well, I first want to say that you looked absolutely gorgeous," he smiled, turning to me. Thankfully the faint light coming from my bedroom didn't show my blush. "My brother's and I agreed you really were the center of attention tonight." 

"Thank you," I laughed nervously, "But I owe it all to my maids, they did a wonderful job with the dress..."

My words trailed off into the night. The prince did not say anything for a long time, but he kept his hand lightly in contact with my back. I used the time to calm my nerves; Ross was my closest friend here, I should feel comfortable around him.

"Did you mean what you said tonight, or was it just for show?" he asked after what seemed like a long time. He turned his head to look down at me, and I let our eyes meet for a minute before I looked back out. 

"Of course," I said quietly, "I really do think you will be a compassionate and caring king and husband." 

Ross sighed. "Atlas, I feel like you are on a completely different level than me, and I do not mean caste level." He dropped his hand and turned to me fully, forcing me to turn back to him as well. "I want you to be honest with me. Why are you here?" he asked, his icy eyes swirling with emotion.

"I'm here to serve my-" 

He interrupted me before I could finish my rehearsed speech. "Is there any chance for us to end together?" he asked, gripping my arms.

I bit my lip, considering the question seriously. Could I walk down the isle, accepting the crown and Prince Ross as my husband?  Could I be there for him during the wars, the protests, the revolts? Could I be there during the long nights of hard decisions? Could I sleep next to him for the rest of my life? Could I live happily as his queen, baring his children, and leading an entire country next to him as the queen does now?

I felt overwhelmed. At this moment, I couldn't do any of that. 

But maybe, someday, I could. 

I reached up to hold his jaw with my hands, my fingers grazing across the slightest stubble on his cheeks. Ross seemed to startle at my initial touch, but he quickly recovered and placed his hands around my waist. A full moon illuminated Ross' face enough to make him look almost mysterious and alluring, but I saw the worried glance as he bent down to my height. I don't know when I started wanting this, but Sjin and my old life were currently forgotten as my eyes fluttered closed. 

It was the softest, ghost of a kiss. It wasn't fierce or hard or sexy. Ross didn't dig his hands into my hips or butt; he didn't reach up the short skirt of my pajamas, even though he easily could have and I would have let him. He kept his fingertips lightly connected with my waist, so light as if he thought I would break. It made me feel like a lady for the first time in my life. 

He pulled back slowly, surprise and shock coloring his face. But then he gave me a lopsided smile and a breathy laugh, and I couldn't help but laugh at how happy I felt in this moment. 

Yeah, maybe someday I could.